Quality comes with a higher price tag

Rich Darby,
Chief Operations Officer

After negotiating a contract with one of our suppliers, I gained a great deal of respect for the way they do business. Their representative didn't give us a deal, a coupon or budge on the price and I respect that; because quality comes with a higher price tag.

When I refer to quality, I don't just mean quality products. I am also referring to the company manufacturing the products. A quality company will employ people who will go out of their way to explain the details and introduce some of their business tools; and that brings more value to Trigard than a few dollars off.

What are you gaining from your suppliers? Are they giving you low ball prices? Or are they giving you something much more valuable? In my time as a business owner, I have found that quality products come from quality manufacturers; because they give more than a product, they build relationships.

As a resolution for the upcoming year, make it a goal to build relationships with your suppliers and increase the value of the products you are buying.  In the long run, the relationships you build will bring more value to your company; more value means more buying power and more buying power means lower prices for your customers.

Here is to a happy and prosperous new year! Happy New Year!

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.


Enhance your showroom for 2014

Trigard Memorials' 180 system wall displays work with any wall type and are available in two versions. The basic display features miniature bronze samples in a smaller wall footprint, and the premier display (shown above) features full size 24" x 14" memorials with smaller bronze companion memorials. 

Both wall displays are organized into three tiers - a proven good/better/best system - and can be customized for your unique business.

Call Customer Service at 800.798.4900 or download our order form to begin designing your 180 system. Be sure to ask about our new SimuMetal samples that can help dramatically lower the cost of your display without sacrificing quality.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.


Design tip of the week

If you are sending your logo to be included on your customized Memorial Security plate, be sure to send vector art as an *.EPS file. That file format ensures that your logo will look pristine and clear.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.

How do you want to be remembered?

Linda Darby,
Chief Executive Officer

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is in full force with only a few days left before Christmas. The holiday season is about cherishing and spending time with those in our lives and taking the focus off ourselves. We sometimes get stuck in a rut of our daily routines and the holidays allow us to get our heads out of the paperwork to remember; to remember how blessed we are to be able to spend the holidays with our families; and to remember those we have lost throughout the years.

"When a loved one becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure," is a quote that we at Trigard Memorials try to remember everyday. How do you want to be remembered? When you are gone and your family gathers around for the holidays, will they remember you the way you want to be remembered? As families gather, its a great time to remind them to take the time to talk with their family about how they want to be remembered; maybe even make a plan to get their wishes put in writing this coming year.

From everyone at Trigard, may you and your family have a blessed holiday season.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.


Product highlight: Remembrance medallions

Remembrance medallions by Trigard Memorials are a unique addition to existing niche fronts, mausoleums and memorials. A stronger alternative than ceramic cameos, our bronze medallions feature exquisite detail in traditional oxide or the vibrant color of Brilliant Impressions®.

Whether a family is celebrating a special date or they want to add beauty and value to their loved one's memorial with our cutting-edge technology, our medallions are an affordable option.

Call Customer Service at 800.798.4900 for details and pricing.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.


Design tip of the week
Though photo quality may look okay to families, our design team looks at it from a professional standpoint to ensure you receive the best quality marker with the given images.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.

The vaule of versatility

Ethan Darby,
Sales Manager

You know us for memorials, urns, crypt, and niche plates, but did you know that we are also a plaque and sign manufacturer?

Through our plaques and signs division, I work with a variety of organizations, including parks, schools and golf courses. The signage industry is extremely competitive with projects typically going to the lowest bidder. Our prices are competitive, but we can offer something more valuable than low prices - versatility.

How many different signs are at a memorial park or cemetery? If you own or manage a property, do you rely upon multiple companies? Wouldn't it be nice to have one place for all of your projects? At Trigard, we can be that flexible provider because we can adapt to your needs.

Do you have donors that you need to recognize? Do you need to designate sections of your cemetery? Do you need something as simple as bathroom signs? We can do that. What could be more convenient for you than one-stop shopping for your signs and memorials?  If you have any questions or want more information, please call me at 800.798.4900 or email me at ethand@trigard.com.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.


Product highlight: Plaques and signs
Trigard Plaques and Signs helps dedicate buildings, recognize years of achievement and even welcome new families into their homes.

Our clientele includes Walt Disney World, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Performance Racing Industry, McDonalds, the PGA, Chicagoland Speedway, the Ronald Reagan Ranch and numerous state and local businesses.

We would be delighted to add you to our list of clients, no matter the size or scale of your project. Call 800.798.4900 or visit Trigard Plaques and Signs online and tell us what you are celebrating. We will work with you to find the best way to commemorate your special milestone.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.
 

Design tip of the week
If you do not want an accent option on your Classique memorial, please write NO ACCENT in the design box on the order form so we know that section wasn't overlooked.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.

Collaboration is key

Jeff Miller,
Vice President of Business
Development

The holidays are here. Are you as busy as you were during the summer? Most of us aren't, which makes this the perfect time to connect and network. Extend an invitation to have lunch with a potential customer you have been talking with for a while; invite them to tour your facility and meet your staff. Show your long-time customers how much you appreciate your partnership; visit their facility or bring lunch for their employees.

Why does this matter? Why should you spend time networking with funeral homes? Did you know 98 percent of all families use a funeral home for assistance following the death of a loved one? Families see funeral homes as the first resource; therefore, collaboration is vital. While I was a practicing funeral director, I was often asked for recommendations on cemeteries, monuments and memorial providers in the area. It's a clear example of the importance of funeral homes knowing you and the services you offer.

Let's make it a goal for 2014 to put aside any past concerns about partnerships and reach out. Do you need help strategizing a networking plan? Call me at 419.290.7707 or email me at jeffm@trigard.com. 
 
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.
 
 
Product highlight: Collage memorials

Allow families to use their own photos to tell the story of their loved one's life with our Collage memorial.  They can submit one special photograph or provide us with a series of pictures and our designers will work with them to create a memorial as unique as the life it celebrates.

Call Customer Service at 800.798.4900 for pricing and details.
 
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.
 
 
Design tip of the week

If you do not completely fill out your order form, this will delay the process of getting a design. Please fill out all areas of the order form so we know exactly what you need. 
 
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.

Happy Thanksgiving

Trigard Memorials is closed today

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. Trigard Memorials is closed today, November 28 and tomorrow, November 29 to allow staff to celebrate Thanksgiving. We will return on Monday, December 2.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.
 
Memorializing cremation benefits everyone

Jason Murphy,
Sunset Funeral Homes,
Director of Family Services

The popularity of cremation is on the rise, and as members of the funeral industry, we need to accept and adapt to the change.

Just because a family chooses cremation, it doesn't mean their loved one's cremated remains have to go home with them. I have worked with many families that simply didn't know memorializing their loved one in the cemetery was an option. It is our job to educate our families and more importantly, stress the value in memorializing.

Educating your families today will not only increase your cemetery revenue, but it will also help down the road with pre-need sales. Family and friends will visit the cemetery to share memories. The more they visit, the more it becomes a special place to them; and the more likely they will want to be memorialized near their loved one. Anytime we can increase the visitors in our cemetery, it increases your chance for future sales.

Looking for more strategies to talk to families? Call us at 800.798.4900.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.
 

Design tip of the week

Please write the text on the order form exactly the way it should be on the memorial. If you abbreviate, that is how it will appear in your layout.
 
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.

Not what you've seen before

Beth VadeBonCoeur,
Accountant

As an accountant, I am more analytical than creative, and I rarely think "outside the box." I mainly deal with numbers and financial issues.

If I were to purchase a memorial for a loved one, I would find it difficult to visualize the options available; and I am sure you have worked with families that are the same way. Some people can't picture a bronze memorial looking differently than a traditional design with only names and dates. They decide on a style because it is what they have always seen.

When you find yourself in this situation, turn it over to our design department to create a proof for you. Our graphic designers will create unique and one-of-a-kind memorials if you give them the freedom to do so. And of course, you and the family will approve the proof so you can make sure everyone is satisfied.

Let our staff create the memorials for your families that they will cherish for a lifetime not just what they've seen before. Call 800.798.4900 to get started.


This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials'weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.

Lean on us

Drew Edwards,
General Manager,
Sunset Funeral Homes

Do you try to do it all? Or do you have a team of experts who come together to serve families?
At Sunset, our funeral directors focus all their attention on what they do best. We allow our designers to create printed materials and videos. We trust our after-care team to keep in contact with the families we serve. Although many times the family never meets the entire team, the end result is they are extremely satisfied with their overall experience.
It's the same for memorials. Our staff translates the family's ideas to order forms, but then we trust the graphic artists at Trigard Memorials to create something special.
Trust our memorials artists to do the same for you. This group of dedicated professionals strive to deliver unique products that are precise and beautiful. And, that's what our families we serve deserve.
Call Customer Service at 800.637.1992 to get started on your unique memorial.
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.
 

Product spotlight: Veteran Companion

 

 

Did you know that we offer veteran companion memorials in cast bronze?

Although Trigard Memorials has become synonymous with our precise direct-to-metal process, we are proud to offer cast memorials as well. Our cast memorials give you the same quality you can count on from Trigard, but with the look and feel of traditional government-issued veteran memorials.  

 
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.
 

Design tip of the week

 

When you email photos for a memorial, please don't insert them into the email message. Doing so will lower the quality of the images significantly. Instead, attach the images or upload them at http://trigard.leapfile.com.

 

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.

Making your life easier

Kelli Nesbitt,
Customer Service

It is hard not to brag when it comes to Trigard Memorials' user-friendly website trigardmemorials.com.

Did you know we offer over 900 emblems for your families to choose from? On our emblems page, you will see our categorized library where you can easily browse through our enormous selection, ranging from animals and nature to religion and transportation. The options are endless. You can even provide this link to the families you serve.

Order forms are also available online. You can complete and email your finished order form directly from our website.

Did you know, all Trigard Memorials literature is available online as well.

If you would like help navigating our website, call Trigard Memorials at 800.798.4900 and one of our Customer Service representatives will get you started.
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Product spotlight: Emblems

To help memorialize a loved one, choose one of our 900 emblems to enhance the personalization of your memorial. Emblems are available on any of our memorials.

 

Call 800.798.4900 for pricing and details.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays.

Design tip of the week

 

Please write the text on the order form exactly the way it should be on the memorial. If you abbreviate, that is how it will appear in your layout.

 

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/Thursdays..

Ahead of the curve

Ethan Darby, Director
Business Development

Our industry, which has historically been resistant to change, is evolving at a rapid pace. As cemetarians, we have two choices; resist the change and stick to what we know or embrace the change and tread through the unknown.

At Trigard Memorials, we don't want to be your "typical bronze memorial" company; we aim to be different.  We strive to be progressive and unique by studying industry trends, attending seminars and learning first hand at our own cemeteries. We listen to you, our customers, to help us all embrace the evolution of our industry. Our uniqueness shows through our products including memorial rocks, QR codes mounted to memorials and temporary memorials. Our products are innovative, flexible and diverse.
 
If we don't currently offer a product that fits the culture of your community, challenge us. We love coming up with new solutions. Call us at 800.798.4900 to find out how we can help you stay ahead of the curve.


Product spotlight: Memorial Rocks

Our lightweight memorial rocks provide a lasting tribute to a loved one while enhancing the landscape of a home or cemetery. Cremated remains can either be placed inside a compartment in the rock or a space can be dedicated in a loved one's honor after burial or scattering.

Memorial rocks are crafted from molds based on natural rocks. The forms are lined with concrete and painted in one of three colors. Families can choose from six styles, then personalize the tribute with a bronze plaque in either oxide or full-color Brilliant Impressions®.

Call 800.798.4900 to learn how Trigard memorial rocks can provide a place to share memories for years to come.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Success in Austin

What a great convention! Yesterday our team packed up our booth at the 2013 NFDA Convention and Expo in Austin. Just like many other funeral professionals across the country, we are spending today transitioning back to our usual routines. It was a wonderful event.
 
It began with the spirited Sunday educational session that Rich Darby and Linda Darby lead with Alan Creedy. "Family Business Disputes: Court Is in Session" included the trio acting out some sticky scenarios that the attendees found all too familiar. But instead of retreating to their separate corners, Alan helped mediate the disputes, giving the audience members valuable tools to take home.

 

It continued to the Expo floor, including our Trigard booth that consistently attracts great questions about our products.

 

But it's always about the conversations we have. National conventions are a great time to learn, to connect with our customers, and to educate others in our industry about the successes our customers are having with products.

 

 
Product spotlight: Complete Cast Bronze Recrafting

We unveiled a new product at the NFDA Convention and Expo that got lots of attention. Trigard Memorials Recrafting does more than rejuvenate and beautify cast bronze memorials. Our toolkit helps you reach your existing customers while building deeper relationships with them and generate revenue. Even if someone else created the memorial, you can trust the artists at Trigard Memorials to recraft it.

Prices start at $150 plus shipping. Call 800.798.4900 for full pricing and procedures.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Are you leaving money on the table?

Beth Vadeboncoeur, Accountant

As Trigard's in-house accountant, it's my job to be sure all of the numbers come together. I I have the unique perspective of watching the numbers on both the supplier side and the consumer side of the equation. This deserves extra attention when it comes to pre-arrangements.

For your customers who have prearranged and prepaid for memorials, how do you ensure money isn't left on the table at the time of need? When a family comes to you, ready to order their prearranged memorial, they may request special characters or more words or photos than their prepaid marker includes. Instead of just explaining the allowances to them and helping them edit away the extras, explain to them the small, additional charges required to make the memorial look exactly as they'd like it. Just as you would for an upgrade to a casket, burial vault or print package, use this opportunity to help the family celebrate their loved one's life just the way they want.

Having trouble calculating the difference? Call our customer service team at 800.798.4900. They'd be happy to help you work out the details or talk through design options.


Product spotlight: Take Classique to the next level
 
Have you ever worked with a family who likes the traditional look of the Classique memorials, but wants options that go beyond our standard offerings of Dogwood/Roses and Tierra/Pine? Thanks to our unique manufacturing process and talented designers, memorials can be modified to include custom borders, custom emblems not found in our library, or even an oxide portrait. And it's easy to communicate exactly what you want with our interactive order forms. There are, of course, additional costs for these customizations, but they give you even more flexibility to create a memorial that honors their loved one perfectly.
Call 800.798.4900 to learn more about how to customize Classique memorials or pricing.
 

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Don't settle for the basics

Drew Edwards,
Sunset Funeral Homes
General Manager

As a funeral director for over 20 years, I have seen many changes in our industry. Traditional funerals have slowly diminished, and cremation and immediate dispositions are on the rise. Today's consumer desires products and services that are different than what the families we serve wanted 20 years ago. But "different" does not always mean "less."
 
Today's consumer demands value for every dollar they spend. As a funeral director, it is my job to offer a family an experience that exceeds their expectations. That experience doesn't stop after the funeral. For me, it begins the moment they first contact to us and extends to placing the final memorial. To exceed expectations, everything must showcase the unique personality of the loved one, and tell a story the whole world can share.

There are so many great products and ideas to help create something meaningful and memorable. That's exactly what Trigard Memorials does with bronze memorials. Don't settle for the basics. Make sure that every funeral home and family you serve has a memorial that is as unique as the life it represents.


Product spotlight: Pet memorial

You already know that we offer beautiful memorial rocks and estate boulders to add beauty to the landscape of the cemetery while honoring a life well-lived. But did you know that we also have lightweight memorial rocks designed specifically for our furred and feathered friends? Our pet memorial rocks are the perfect tribute to cherished companions. They look great in a pet cemetery or in a home garden. Come see all of our pet products in Austin at the 2013 NFDA Convention and Expo beginning October 20.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Are you "listening" to nonverbal cues?

Stuart McDaniels,
Purchasing Manager

When we listen to someone speak we often focus solely on the spoken words.

We must remember nonverbal messages are also being sent through tone of voice, posture and facial expressions.

Understanding these nonverbal messages can be just as important, if not more, as listening to the words.

In the world of purchasing, not paying attention to nonverbal communication cues can lead to product specifications problems and missed delivery dates. 

If we do not clearly understand each other in business settings, meetings and negotiations can quickly go wrong.

Are you actively listening to your suppliers and customers to better understand their needs? Are you paying attention to what they are saying, as well as what they are not saying?

 Product spotlight: Reflection® urn

 

The Reflection® is a lined, sealed concrete urn vault with a thermoformed polymer liner and high quality exterior finish.

It has an additional protective layer of hand-crafted interior sheeting and is available in stainless steel, copper and bronze.

You can choose from a wide variety of color combinations and can even add a custom Appliqué®.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Our Customer Service team guides you through the order process




Kelli Nesbitt,
 Customer Service Mgr

We know that families can feel overwhelmed when ordering a memorial. That's why we make our process as simple as possible for you, our customers. Whether you choose a traditional Classique design or a custom Collage, the process is the same. And if you have any questions along the way, we're always here to assist you.
 
We know that families can feel overwhelmed when ordering a memorial. That's why we make our process as simple as possible for you, our customers. Whether you choose a traditional Classique design or a custom Collage, the process is the same. And if you have any questions along the way, we're always here to assist you.
 
1. Begin by selecting the memorial series (or design style) that best accommodates the family's needs.
 
2. Then, find the order form for that series. Just follow the instructions and complete all of the fields. Then submit the order form by email (just hit the button on the form) or fax it to us at 217.444.2040. Then our team goes to work.
 
3. You'll have a proof from our design team in 3 - 5 business days. Review the proof carefully. If you need revisions, let us know. Otherwise, approve the layout and return it to us to begin production. 
 
4. Once approved, you'll receive the memorial in about 4 weeks.
 
It's that simple! Did you know that we even have a tracking system that allows you to follow the progress of your order through all of the production stages? Call our Customer Service Team at 800.798.4900 and ask about getting access to Order Track for your next order.
 
 
Product Spotlight: Gallery
 

 

Through our partnership with artists Thomas Kinkade, Danny Hahlbohm and Rick Kelley, we create touching memorials that truly capture the beauty of a loved one's life. Our Gallery Series is available in both detailed traditional oxide and Brilliant Impressions® color. And Trigard's Dura-Sheen® protectant ensures memorials that stand the test of time.

 
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Can a temporary marker help sales?

Of course a temporary memorial marks a loved one's grave. But with Memorial Security, it also helps you secure the memorial sale. Imagine the impact that a full-color, personalized temporary memorial can have on a family when it awaits them in the cemetery, even before they have placed their memorial order.

Our intuitive online system makes it easy to order a magnetic temporary marker personalized with a name, dates and even a photo. And our fast production time assures that you can have it in place at the time of interment.

Call 800.798.4900 or visit www.trigardmemorials.com to start putting Memorial Security to work for you.
 

Product spotlight: Remembrance urns

A Trigard Memorials Remembrance Urn will enhance any glass niche front or fireplace mantle and are available in single or companion sizes.

Any of our memorial design lines can become a unique and personalized urn. And all urn plates can be created with traditional oxide finish or Brilliant Impressions® full-color.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

What's new? You tell us.

When you choose Trigard Memorials as your partner, you are limited only by your imagination.

So bring us your most challenging projects and your most creative ideas. Let our dedicated and experienced graphic designers work with you to bring your vision to life.

Call 800.798.4900 or visit www.trigardmemorials.com to start collaborating.

 

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Join us in Austin to see what's new

Tomorrow is your last day to register for a free one-day pass to the 2013 NFDA Expo. Fax your completed form to the NFDA offices by the end of business on Friday, September 13. After that, standard convention rates apply.



Why make the trip to Austin? No matter your role in our industry, there will be something there for you to learn.

Plus, we have been working on some exciting new ideas. We will unveil both of them during the expo. One is designed to add more value to the graveside for families saying goodbye to a child. The other has the potential to be a new, recurring revenue stream for cemeteries. And you can see it all when you join us at the 2013 NFDA Expo.

Can't make it to Austin? Keep watching this eNewsletter. We'll share details about the new programs after the convention.
 
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Pet products reach beyond dogs and cats

When we talk about pet memorialization products, our minds usually immediately go to a beloved canine or feline. But are you reaching out beyond the animals served by your typical veterinarian?

                    

All kinds of animals bring joy to families' lives. Reptiles, horses, gerbils and even fish deserve to be remembered. We would be honored to create a ground memorial, custom bronze urn or memorial rock for any furred, feathered or scaled friend. Call us at 800.798.4900 to talk about all of the pet memorialization options we offer.

 
 
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

The writing is on the wall

                                                         
It's no secret. Trigard Memorials' bronze and aluminum crypt and niche plates are the perfect fit for any vertical application. Our unique direct-to-metal machining process gives our memorials a slimmer profile, allowing them to sit flush against the wall. Additionally, our exclusive direct-to-metal process makes our memorials look outstanding - even close up.     

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Hunting for high-resolution photos?

Nearly every day a customer contacts us for high-quality images of our products. We are always delighted to find what you need.

Looking for a general library? Call customer service to order a Memorials Image CD. These CDs are waiting on the shelf for you with a comprehensive selection of high-resolution and web-resolution standard images.

Need something custom? We post our standard, most popular images on the CDs, but sometimes you need something special. When you do, please contact orders@trigard.com or call 800.798.4900 for help.
 
This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Need help securing memorial sales?

We have you covered. Our Memorial Security temporary memorials add value to graveside services and help guide families to you for their permanent memorial.

Imagine the impact that a full-color, personalized temporary memorial can have on a family when it awaits them in the cemetery, even before they have placed their memorial order.

Our intuitive online system makes it easy to order a magnetic temporary marker personalized with a name, dates and even a photo. And our fast production time assures that you can have it in place at the time of interment.

Learn more by watching the Memorial Security webinar or call Customer Service at 800.798.4900 to start putting Memorial Security to work for you. 

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Get your free NFDA Expo pass today

Need one more reason to head to the 2013 NFDA Convention and Expo in Austin, Texas? How about a free one-day expo pass! All you have to do is complete and return this form by September 13. We'll see you in Austin! 

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Are you in a highly competitive market?

We want to help you succeed. Explore the links below to discover how we can give you a competitive edge.  

• Custom wall displays
• Memorial Security - A temporary memorial that can help you secure memorial sales
• Interactive order forms
• Family-focused product literature
• Images for your website
• Marketing and design teams to customize materials
• Regulations addendum - Are cemetery regulations holding you back? We can help you navigate these tricky situations with our modification templates

Need help? We've got your back. Call Customer Service at 800.798.4900.


This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.